Mikel Arteta chose to rest several key players ahead of a busy December, yet it took just 11 minutes for the Gunners to break the deadlock, with two squad members combining to create the goal.
A smart flick from Noni Madueke freed Ben White on the overlap, who then delivered a cross into the box for Arsenal’s leading scorer across all competitions,Mikel Merino, who headed the ball down and into the net.
Madueke then created space for a close-range attempt that was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher, before Brentford responded strongly, with David Raya forced to tip Kevin Schade’s header from a corner onto the crossbar.
The Bees had gained some foothold in the match, but the hosts continued to pose significant threats before halftime, with Rico Henry making crucial blocks to deny Madueke twice in quick succession.
Firstly, Henry slid to smother a low cross from Declan Rice as Madueke was set to score, then he made a timely challenge to prevent the Arsenal winger from shooting inside the box.
Brentford held the momentum after the break, and the tension grew inside the Emirates as Igor Thiago, the league’s second top scorer, came on as part of a triple substitution with just one goal separating the teams after 60 minutes.
Arteta responded quickly by bringing on Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka, as Arsenal gained control. Riccardo Calafiori and Rice each tested Kelleher with long-range shots, with Merino narrowly missing a follow-up chance.
The Gunners kept the pressure on while Kelleher saved Calafiori’s efforts and reacted quickly to a Saka mis-hit rebound, shortly before the substitute redeemed himself by staying onside and firing a shot past the keeper, whose palm couldn’t stop the ball from crossing the line.
This win restored Arsenal’s five-point lead atop the Premier League table, with only one league defeat so far (10 wins, 3 draws). Arteta remains unbeaten in his last nine head-to-heads (7 wins, 2 draws), while Brentford remain mid-table, having failed to win 20 of their last 24 London Premier League derbies (6 draws, 13 losses).
Flashscore Man of the Match: Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
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